You’ll find Funchal, a vibrant and picturesque city, on the southern coast of the ‘garden’ island of Madeira. Many head to this Portuguese gem to enjoy summer sunshine and hiking. However, the main city shouldn’t be overlooked, with its perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and modern comforts. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or a lover of fine wine and food, Funchal has something for you.
Here are ten must-do experiences in this captivating city.
- Ride the Monte Cable Cara
- Descend in a Traditional Toboggan Sledge
- Explore the Mercado dos Lavradores
- Wander Through the Old Town
- Visit the Madeira Botanical Garden
- Taste Madeira Wine at a Local Winery
- Dolphin and Whale Watching
- Hike the Levada Walks
- Dine at a Traditional Madeira Restaurant
- Relax at Praia Formosa
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
1. Ride the Monte Cable Car
Get your bearings before you start exploring by taking a ride on the Monte Cable Car to access a bird’s-eye view of the city. The journey starts in the Old Town and ascends to Monte, offering panoramic vistas of the terracotta rooftops, lush gardens, and the shimmering Atlantic. It’s the perfect way to appreciate the city’s layout before you set out on foot through its charming neighbourhoods, and a fantastic opportunity to thrill the kids if you’re travelling as a family.
2. Descend in a Traditional Toboggan Sledge
The fun isn’t over just because you’re reached the top, and you won’t come down the way you went up! Once you’ve reached Monte, take an exhilarating ride back down in a traditional wicker toboggan. This unique experience, dating back to the 19th century, involves sliding down steep streets in a sledge steered by two expert drivers known as “carreiros”. It’s a thrilling and iconic Madeiran tradition you won’t want to miss.
3. Explore the Mercado dos Lavradores
There’s no better way to launch your stay in Funchal than a dose of culture at the Mercado dos Lavradores, or Farmers’ Market. The art deco building is a fitting framework for this vibrant market, which overflows with elaborate displays of exotic fruits, fresh flowers, and local crafts. Don’t miss the seafood section where you’ll encounter the varied fruits of the Atlantic Ocean, plucked by the local fisherman from the waters around the island. Try to spot the famous black scabbardfish (espada), a Madeiran delicacy that you should try in one of the restaurants.
4. Wander Through the Old Town (Zona Velha)
From the Monte you will have spotted that Funchal’s Old Town is a maze of narrow streets lined with colourful buildings, and when you reach ground level you’ll discover that they are filled with boutique shops and lively restaurants. One of the highlights is the Rua de Santa Maria, famous for its painted doors, an open-air art gallery that showcases local creativity. As you stroll through, stop for a coffee or a traditional poncha (a local sugarcane rum cocktail) at one of the many cosy bars.
5. Visit the Madeira Botanical Garden
The Madeira Botanical Garden reflects the accuracy of the island’s moniker as the “Floating Garden of the Atlantic”, so a visit here should be high on your list of priorities. Located on a hillside, the garden is home to an impressive collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including orchids, succulents, and towering palms. The views over Funchal’s bay make it even more special.
6. Taste Madeira Wine at a Local Winery
Before you knew much of Madeira as a place, you’d probably encountered its wine. Funchal is a great base for a wine tour to learn about the local winemaking process and enjoy tastings of different varieties, from dry to lusciously sweet.
7. Dolphin and Whale Watching
The waters around Madeira are teeming with marine life, making Funchal a prime location for dolphin and whale watching. Numerous boat tours operate from the marina, offering the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close. Some tours even include a swimming stop where you can take a dip in the crystal-clear Atlantic.
8. Hike the Levada Walks
Levadas are irrigation channels unique to Madeira, and they double as some of the most scenic hiking trails in the world. A popular route near Funchal is the Levada dos Tornos, which winds through lush forests, past waterfalls, and up to breathtaking viewpoints. These hikes cater to all fitness levels, from gentle strolls to more challenging treks.
9. Dine at a Traditional Madeira Restaurant
Funchal boasts an excellent food scene, with traditional Madeiran dishes that have to be sampled. Visit a local restaurant and savour dishes like espetada (marinated beef skewers cooked over an open flame), bolo do caco (garlic butter flatbread), and freshly caught seafood. Many restaurants also offer live fado music, adding to the authentic experience.
10. Relax at Praia Formosa
If you’re looking to unwind, head to Praia Formosa, Funchal’s largest beach. This mix of pebbles and black volcanic sand is an excellent spot for a leisurely swim, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze. Several seaside bars and restaurants line the shore, making it a great place to relax with a cocktail as the sun sets over the Atlantic.
Final Thoughts
Funchal is a city that effortlessly blends tradition with modernity, offering visitors a diverse range of experiences. Whether you’re admiring its stunning landscapes, indulging in delicious cuisine, or diving into its rich history, Funchal guarantees an unforgettable adventure.
Where to Stay
Residencial Melba: With ivy-clad balconies, the Residencial Melba is a tranquil sanctuary for guests when they visit Funchal. Only 20-minutes walk from the city’s Cathedral, the central location of the hotel makes it an ideal base. After breakfasting in the light-filled dining room, borrow one of the bicycles and explore the island in style.
Casa Lugos: Guests stay in air-conditioned 1-bedroom units with their own terrace, a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine and a private entrance. WiFi is free throughout the property, and it boasts doorstep access to the beach. Almirante Reis Beach is a mere 300m from the front door, and Marino do Funchal is 1.3km.
Ocean View Studio 2: This property houses a private swimming pool, a terrace with a panoramic view and free WiFi. The unit has a fully equipped kitchenette with a washing machine and enjoys a central location, only 500m from Gorgulho-Gavinas Beach.
How to Get There
Direct flights from UK airports to Madeira are provided by several carriers including easyJet, Jet2, Qatar Airways, Ryanair, BA Euroflyer, British Airways and TUI. Currently there are around 65 flights per week, and the flight time is around 4 hours. When you land in Madeira’s international airport, you can take advantage of a range of Shuttle Direct Funchal transfer services to transport you to your accommodation.
Overview
UK to FNC flight time: 4 hours approx
FNC to Funchal distance: 18 kilometres
Airport transfer time: 20 minutes approx
Types of Transfer
Shuttle Direct is renowned for providing a reasonably priced, reliable and professional service for transfers from Madeira Airport to Funchal. As market leaders in airport transfers, our range of options is designed to make sure that we cover your specific requirements.
Taxi: Our airport taxis from Madeira Airport to Funchal city centre are staffed by friendly drivers who pride themselves on great communication. Skip the queues outside the Arrivals Hall by pre-booking one of our helpful drivers, and start your trip with a smile!
Private Transfer: For one step up in luxury we have a supply of high-end, clean and modern vehicles for private transfers from FNC to Funchal. When you book this service you’ll be met in the Arrivals Hall by your personal driver who will deliver you and your luggage to your final destination promptly and comfortably.
Minibus Transfer: Madeira is a great destination for groups and extended families, so Shuttle Direct offers a minibus airport transfer option to accommodate your party in a single vehicle. This convenient service is recommended for its value for money and maximum efficiency.
Shuttle Bus: While all our options are reasonably priced, we offer a dedicated Funchal transfer by shuttle bus for those who don’t want to allocate budget to transport but who still depend on a punctual and reliable service. You can reserve your seat on our bus before you leave your home. The stop is easily spotted outside the airport, and we serve multiple convenient stops near to your final destination.
Choosing the Right Transfer
You’ll never compromise on efficiency, friendly service, and prompt airport transfers from FNC to Funchal with any of our options, so your choice depends on the balance of cost and convenience that suits you best.
Cost: The most cost-effective service is the shuttle bus, which will transfer you from the airport to Funchal city centre. Our designated stops are conveniently located and easy to access.
Convenience: For door-to-door Funchal transfer services, the private car, airport taxi, or minibus are your best options. Eliminate the headache of navigating your way in an unfamiliar place or the anxiety of missing a return flight by booking one of these transfer services for the start and end of your trip.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct has been providing professional services to travellers who need to get from Madeira Airport to Funchal city centre for decades. As one of the leading providers of airport transfers in Europe and beyond, we come highly recommended by holidaymakers, business travellers and globetrotters of all kinds!
